For Defenders
This page is a starting point for DPA attorneys and staff to access training materials, practice resources, and professional development information. Detailed resources are available on the Trumpet internal site.
Trumpet Internal Site
Trumpet is DPA's internal knowledge base, containing motion templates, training videos, practice guides, policy documents, and office-specific resources. Access requires your Active Directory credentials.
Log In to TrumpetTraining Resources
DPA provides ongoing training for all attorneys and support staff. New attorneys complete a multi-week orientation program covering trial skills, ethics, client communication, and Kentucky-specific criminal procedure. Experienced attorneys have access to advanced workshops on specialized topics.
Training materials, including recorded CLEs, presentation slides, and supplemental readings, are available on the Trumpet site. Contact your division director or the training coordinator if you need access to a specific resource.
Motion Bank
The DPA motion bank on Trumpet contains sample motions, briefs, and legal memoranda organized by practice area and topic. These are working documents contributed by DPA attorneys statewide. Search the motion bank from the Trumpet dashboard or browse by category. If you have a successful motion or brief you want to share, submit it through the Trumpet content portal.
Practice Areas
Felony Defense
Trial strategy, plea negotiations, sentencing advocacy, and post-conviction relief for felony-level charges across all Kentucky circuit courts.
Juvenile Defense
Representation of juveniles in delinquency proceedings, status offense cases, and youthful offender transfers. Emphasizes rehabilitation-focused outcomes.
Capital Defense
Specialized representation in death penalty cases, including mitigation investigation, expert consultation, and appellate review of capital sentences.
Mental Health & Disability
Competency evaluations, involuntary commitment proceedings, and advocacy for clients with intellectual disabilities or serious mental illness.
CLE and Professional Development
Kentucky attorneys must complete 12.5 CLE credit hours annually, including 2 hours of ethics. DPA offers approved CLE programming throughout the year, including the annual statewide conference, regional workshops, and online sessions hosted through Trumpet.
DPA also supports attorneys attending external conferences and training programs relevant to indigent defense. Speak with your supervisor about funding and approval for external professional development.